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2021-03-31-accounts

Charity no. 1185804

Shakespeare Link Report and Financial Statements 31 March 2021

Shakespeare Link

Reference and administrative details

For the period ended 31 March 2021

Charity number 1185804 Registered office and Penlanole operational address Llanwrthwl Llandrindod Wells Powys LD1 6NN Trustees The trustees who served during the period and up to the date of this report were as follows: Andrew Cresswell appointed 05 June 2021 Mary Elster appointed 14 October 2019, resigned 31 March 2021 Simon Fraser appointed 14 October 2019 Marie-Therese Gibson-Watt appointed 14 October 2019 Gavin Hooson appointed 14 October 2019 Richard Rathbone appointed 20 November 2020 Barbara Stow appointed 14 October 2019 Jessica Tyler appointed 20 November 2020 Independent examiners Godfrey Wilson Limited Chartered accountants and statutory auditors 5th Floor Mariner House 62 Prince Street Bristol BS1 4QD

1

Shakespeare Link

Report of the trustees

For the period ended 31 March 2021

The trustees present their annual report together with the financial statements of the charity for the period ended 31 March 2021.

Reference and administrative information set out on page 1 forms part of this report. The financial statements comply with current statutory requirements, the constitution and the Statement of Recommended Practice - Accounting and Reporting by Charities (effective from January 2019).

Structure, governance and management

Shakespeare Link has been a Charity since 1994, but this year we have moved towards becoming a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), which was achieved in October 2019.

The Trustees resolved to transfer the assets of the Trust to the CIO on 4 April 2020, and the Trust was removed from the register of charities on 20 April 2020.

Trustees are appointed by invitation based on appropriate skills and experience and we are fortunate in having attracted a high calibre Board.

Objectives and activities

The objects of the Charitable Incorporated Organisation Shakespeare Link, as set out in the charity’s constitution, are the advancement of the education of the public through the use of Shakespearean and other drama and in particular but without prejudice in the generality of the foregoing to promote their mental, moral and physical development and improvement.

Public benefit

The Trustees confirm that they have referred to the general guidance issued by the Charity Commission regarding public benefit when reviewing the Charity’s aims and objectives when planning activities. The activities undertaken to further the Charity’s purpose for the public benefit are outlined above and further described in the report below.

Achievements and performance

Shakespeare Link CIO continues to provide an annual programme of developmental workshops and performance at its home base, the flagship Willow Globe, within its local community and beyond. During 2020-2021 we had planned a year of celebration for what we have achieved so far, and to focus on developing opportunities for engagement in 2022, when we will celebrate being 30 years old! All usual activities being disrupted by the COVID 19 pandemic, however, Shakespeare Link moved innovatively on-line and delivered a varied programme of Zoom/YouTube events, as well as, when the window in the Covid regulations permitted, a short but brilliant live season.

Late August saw this window; a relaxation in Covid regulations permitted the Wet Mariners to play five in-person performances of ‘A Comedy of Errors’ at Willow Globe. These won rapturous acclaim from their small and strictly socially distanced audiences, whose spirits they immeasurably raised, whilst the actors were euphoric at being able to practise their craft.

The young people of Everyman Youth Theatre from Cardiff brought ‘The Tempest’. They were thrilled to be able to play their only live show of the year, which we could accommodate owing to our open-air site and careful risk management.

In September local actor Austin Allen celebrated the anniversary of Allen Ginsberg’s ‘Howl’ with a reading from this iconic poem, seemingly so pertinent in pandemic circumstances.

2

Shakespeare Link

Report of the trustees

For the period ended 31 March 2021

The rest of the year saw Shakespeare Link online!

ONLINE PERFORMANCE: encouraged by Shakespeare Link, two regular professional visitors to Willow Globe were amongst the first to use the Zoom medium for live performance - actors working in isolation in their own homes to deliver two cracking shows. The Factory presented ‘Love’s Labours Lost’, and The Wet Mariners raised all our spirits with a side-splitting ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’.

HAVE-A-GO SHAKESPEARE online: weekly workshop Zoom sessions offered attendees, who would otherwise have been totally isolated, a vitally supportive and life-enhancing opportunity for brain and physical workout in the company of like-minded friends.

CYMBELINE: Rehearsals via Zoom for the planned community production of Cymbeline. The Company learnt songs, discovered character, explored historic background to the play along with its Welsh links, nurturing and inspiring company members with a wide variety of enriching skills-based techniques to bring forward to 2021’s performances at Willow Globe.

SHARING CYMBELINE: YouTube sessions saw a monthly story-telling from the Willows and elicited responses from all comers young and old from around the UK.

SHARING SHAKESPEARE: this popular fortnightly chat show saw a network of prestigious practitioners sharing their views and expertise. Speakers included Tim Carroll from Stratford Ontario, Blanche MacIntyre and Nia Lynn from the RSC, Evelyn O'Malley from Exeter University and Willow Globe actor Gavin Hooson. Gavin’s talk on Celtic habits and customs encouraged one volunteer to construct a Carnyx for the Cymbeline battle scenes.

UNPRECEDENTED: Our series of videos exploring the words of Shakespeare and his contemporaries, inviting our YouTube audience to watch with us and try and make sense of today through the works of yesterday.

TENDER AIR: Fostering a successful creative partnership with Mid and North Powys Mind, workshops via Zoom supported the young and vulnerable members of MNPM. The young people were enthusiastic and brilliant feedback has led to this project being now in development, subject to funds, to continue at Willow Globe in person during 2022.

LOCKED DOWN ACTING UP: Well subscribed, these workshops were offered to support students learning from home, enriching the syllabus by exploring the plays aloud, with energy and in the company of others.

YOUNG FILMMAKERS: this popular course honed the skills of young local would-be film technicians; led by experienced practitioners, sessions developed the expertise of the group, in person on site, in socially distanced groups during the magical September window of opportunity through the Covid regulations.

MID POWYS YOUTH THEATRE: Online sessions with this youth group proved really helpful, developing a creative mindset, fun, talking and listening to each other: ‘Great Stuff! Well done all!’

3

Shakespeare Link

Report of the trustees

For the period ended 31 March 2021

VOLUNTEERS: despite Covid regulations curtailing the opportunities for large-scale volunteer involvement we were still able to provide a welcome focus for endeavour whilst strictly adhering to Covid guidelines. In this rurally isolated area volunteers welcomed the opportunity to be on an openair site, focussing on familiar routines - wardrobe, technical checks, theatre and nature walk maintenance etc.

Shakespeare Link’s charitable remit has been well served during 2020-2021

Fundraising: achievements against objectives

We are extremely grateful to Arts Council Wales, The Gwendoline and Margaret Davies Charity, The Ashley Family Foundation, Oakdale, Llysdinam Trust, the D’Oyly Carte Charitable Trust, Coronavirus Resilience Fund, Community Foundation Wales - Big Fund, as well as to individual donors such as John Walker, Ashley Arroyo, and Friends. Their support has enabled us to provide the wide variety of experience, collaboration and performance that has enriched the lives of everyone involved. Income and expenditure have been reasonably well balanced, and the generous gift donated just before Covid forced the lockdown in March 2020 has enabled us to implement some upgrading of our facilities as well as to underwrite projects which could not have otherwise been embarked on. We plan for a robust year 2021-22.

Financial report for the year

For the period ended 31 March 2021, income was £102,485 which included a transfer of funds from Shakespeare Link unincorporated charity (no. 1040576) totalling £57,558. Expenditure for the period was £41,716, resulting in a surplus for the year of £3,211 excluding the transfer of funds. Total funds at 31 March 2021 were £60,769, of which £19,308 were restricted. At the end of the year, cash at bank was £49,343. A summary of the results can be found on page 7 of the attached financial statements.

Reserves policy

The trustees consider the optimum level of unrestricted reserves to be equal to 3-6 months’ fixed expenditure of the Charity. These reserves are shown in the accounts as a designated unrestricted fund. This level of reserves provides adequate funds to enable the Charity to continue its activities in the event of an unforeseen reduction in funding or another significant event.

4

Shakespeare Link

Report of the trustees

For the period ended 31 March 2021

Statement of responsibilities of the trustees

The trustees are responsible for preparing the trustees' report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102: The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

The law applicable to charities in England and Wales requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year, which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and the incoming resources and application of resources, including the net income or expenditure, of the charity for the year. In preparing those financial statements the trustees are required to:

The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and which enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the constitution. The trustees are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

The trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the charity's website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

Independent examiners

Godfrey Wilson Limited were appointed as independent examiners to the charity and have expressed their willingness to continue in that capacity.

Approved by the trustees on 7 December 2021 and signed on their behalf by

Barbara Stow - Chair of Trustees

5

Independent examiner's report

To the trustees of

Shakespeare Link

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of Shakespeare Link (the CIO) for the period ended 31 March 2021, which are set out on pages 7 to 18.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity trustees of the CIO you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the Act’).

I report in respect of my examination of the CIO’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.

Independent examiner’s statement

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Alison Godfrey

Date: 9 December 2021 Alison Godfrey FCA Member of the ICAEW For and on behalf of:

Godfrey Wilson Limited

Chartered accountants and statutory auditors 5th Floor Mariner House 62 Prince Street Bristol BS1 4QD

6

Shakespeare Link

Statement of financial activities

For the period ended 31 March 2021

Restricted Unrestricted
Note
£
£
Income from:
Donations - general
11,345
11,775
2
3,800
53,758
Charitable activities
3
19,414
2,393
Total income
34,559
67,926
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
-
2,558
Charitable activities
16,098
23,060
Total expenditure
5
16,098
25,618
Net income
18,461
42,308
Transfers between funds
847
(847)
Net movement in funds
6
19,308
41,461
Reconciliation of funds:
Total funds brought forward
-
-
Total funds carried forward
19,308
41,461
Donations - transfer from Shakespeare
Link Trust (unincorporated charity)		 2021
Total
£
23,120
57,558
21,807
102,485
2,558
39,158
41,716
60,769
-
60,769
-
60,769

There were no other recognised gains or losses other than those stated above. Movements in funds are disclosed in note 13 to the accounts.

There are no comparatives for the prior period because there were no activities prior to the transfer of assets and liabilities from Shakespeare Link (unincorporated charity, no. 1040576) on 4 April 2020.

7

Shakespeare Link

Balance sheet

As at 31 March 2021

Note
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
9
Current assets
Debtors
10
Cash at bank and in hand
Liabilities
Creditors: amounts falling due within 1 year
11
Net current assets
Net assets
12
Funds
13
Restricted funds
Unrestricted funds
Designated funds
General funds
Total charity funds		 £
1,057
49,343
50,400
(1,508)		 2021
£
11,877
48,892
60,769
19,308
22,618
18,843
60,769

Approved by the trustees on 7 December 2021 and signed on their behalf by

Barbara Stow - Chair of Trustees

8

Shakespeare Link

Notes to the financial statements

For the period ended 31 March 2021

1. Accounting policies

a) Basis of preparation

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities in preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019) - (Charities SORP (FRS 102)), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102).

Shakespeare Link meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy note.

b) Going concern basis of accounting

The accounts have been prepared on the assumption that the charity is able to continue as a going concern. The trustees acknowledge that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on the global economy, which in turn affected the charity's activities. In light of the charity's cash balance, unrestricted reserves, and the fact that the charity has low fixed costs, the trustees consider that there are sufficient reserves to continue as a going concern for a period of at least 12 months from the date on which these financial statements are approved.

c) Income

Income is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the funds, any performance conditions attached to the item of income have been met, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.

Income from the government and other grants, whether 'capital' grants or 'revenue' grants, is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the funds, any performance conditions attached to the grants have been met, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably and is not deferred.

Income received in advance of provision of a specified service is deferred until criteria for income recognition are met.

d) Funds accounting

Unrestricted funds are available to spend on activities that further any of the purposes of the charity. Designated funds are unrestricted funds of the charity which the trustees have decided at their discretion to set aside to use for a specific purpose. Restricted funds are donations which the donor has specified are to be solely used for particular areas of the charity's work or for specific projects being undertaken by the charity.

e) Expenditure and irrecoverable VAT

Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to make a payment to a third party, it is probable that settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.

Irrecoverable VAT is charged as a cost against the activity for which the expenditure was incurred.

9

Shakespeare Link

Notes to the financial statements

For the period ended 31 March 2021

f) Allocation of support and governance costs

g) Tangible fixed assets

Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write down the cost of each asset to its estimated residual value over its expected useful life. The depreciation rates in use are as follows:

Electronic equipment 4 years straight line Fixtures and fittings 15 years straight line

Items of equipment are capitalised where the purchase price exceeds £500.

h) Debtors

Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.

i) Cash at bank and in hand

Cash at bank and cash in hand includes cash and short term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account.

j) Creditors

Creditors and provisions are recognised where the charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors and provisions are normally recognised at their settlement amount after allowing for any trade discounts due.

k) Financial instruments

The charity only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value with the exception of bank loans which are subsequently recognised at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

10

Shakespeare Link

Notes to the financial statements

For the period ended 31 March 2021

l) Accounting estimates and key judgements

In the application of the charity's accounting policies, the trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and underlying assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised if the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods if the revision affects both current and future periods.

The key sources of estimation uncertainty that have a significant effect on the amounts recognised in the financial statements are described below.

Depreciation

As described in note 1g to the financial statements, depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write down the cost of each asset to its estimated residual value over its expected useful life.

2. Donations - transfer from Shakespeare Link

Age Support UK - Gwanwyn
Powys County Council - CRDF
Unrestricted designated funds
Unrestricted general funds
Total income from donations
Funds transferred from Shakespeare Link
(unincorporated charity) on conversion to CIO:
Comic Relief		 Restricted
£
£
500
-
300
-
3,000
-
33,299
-
20,459
3,800
53,758
Unrestricted		 2021
Total
£
500
300
3,000
33,299
20,459
57,558

On 4 April 2020 Shakespeare Link, an unincorporated charity (no. 1040576), transferred all of its assets, liabilities and activities to Shakespeare Link, a CIO (no. 1185804). The total funds transferred were £57,558 as shown above.

3. Income from charitable activities

Box office takings
Grants
Workshops
Total income from charitable activities		 Restricted
£
£
-
1,462
19,414
-
-
931
19,414
2,393
Unrestricted		 2021
Total
£
1,462
19,414
931
21,807

11

Shakespeare Link

Notes to the financial statements

For the period ended 31 March 2021

4. Government grants

5. Total expenditure

Total expenditure
Staff costs (note 7)
Touring and production costs
Premises costs
Telephone, postage and stationery
Repairs and maintenance
Accountancy
Professional fees
Marketing
Insurance
Travel and subsistence
Depreciation
Other expenditure
Sub-total
Total expenditure
Allocation of support and
governance costs		 Raising
funds
£
2,175
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
383
2,558
-
2,558		 Charitable
activities
£
2,429
13,524
-
-
-
-
2,457
1,296
-
1,679
-
-
21,385
17,773
39,158		 £
4,122
-
2,682
340
2,555
2,415
-
-
1,437
-
3,935
287
17,773
(17,773)
-
Support and
governance
costs		 2021 Total
£
8,726
13,524
2,682
340
2,555
2,415
2,457
1,296
1,437
1,679
3,935
670
41,716
-
41,716

Total governance costs were £2,415.

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Shakespeare Link

Notes to the financial statements

For the period ended 31 March 2021

6. Net movement in funds

This is stated after charging:

Net movement in funds
This is stated after charging:
2021
£
Depreciation 3,935
Trustees' remuneration Nil
Trustees' reimbursed expenses Nil
Independent examiner's remuneration (including VAT):
▪
Independent examination		 1,260
▪
Other services		 960

7. Staff costs and numbers

Staff costs were as follows:

Freelance staff 2021
£
8,726

No employee earned more than £60,000 during the year.

The key management personnel of the charity comprise the Trustees and freelance Artistic Directors. The total benefits of the key management personnel were £2,000.

Average head count 2021
No.
1.00

8. Taxation

The charity is exempt from corporation tax as all its income is charitable and is applied for charitable purposes.

13

Shakespeare Link

Notes to the financial statements

For the period ended 31 March 2021

9.
Tangible fixed assets
Cost
At 14 October 2019
Additions in year
At 31 March 2021
Depreciation
At 14 October 2019
Charge for the year
At 31 March 2021
Net book value
At 31 March 2021
At 14 October 2019
10. Debtors
Prepayments
11. Creditors: amounts due within 1 year
Trade creditors
Accruals
Transfer from Shakespeare Link (unincorporated
charity)
Transfer from Shakespeare Link (unincorporated
charity)		 £
-
3,551
43,166
-
3,461
37,930
5,236
-
Electronic
equipment
39,615
34,469		 £
-
7,115
7,115
-
474
474
6,641
-
Fixtures and
fittings
-
-		 £
-
10,666
Total
2021
39,615
50,281
-
3,935
34,469
38,404
11,877
-
2021
£
1,057
2021
£
248
1,260
1,508

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Shakespeare Link

Notes to the financial statements

For the period ended 31 March 2021

12. Analysis of net assets between funds

Tangible fixed assets
Current assets
Current liabilities
Net assets at 31 March 2021		 Restricted
funds
£
-
19,308
-
19,308		 £
-
22,618
-
22,618
Designated
funds		 General
funds
£
11,877
8,474
(1,508)
18,843		 Total
funds
£
11,877
50,400
(1,508)
60,769

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Shakespeare Link

Notes to the financial statements

For the period ended 31 March 2021

13. Movements in funds

Movements in funds
Restricted funds
Age Support UK - Gwanwyn
Ashley Family Foundation
Comic Relief
Oakdale Trust
Powys County Council - CRDF
Arts Council Wales
Community Foundation Wales - Big fund
D'Oyly Carte
Gwendoline and Margaret Davies Trust
Have-a-Go
Total restricted funds
Community Foundation Wales - Covid		 At 14
October
2019
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-		 £
500
-
300
-
3,000
-
-
-
-
-
-
Income -
funds from
Shakespeare
Link (Trust)		 Other
income
£
-
6,864
-
750
-
9,000
6,500
1,000
1,800
3,000
1,845		 £
-
(400)
(329)
(750)
(3,353)
(1,437)
(6,685)
(1,118)
(1,962)
-
(64)
Expenditure		 Transfers
between
funds
£
-
-
29
-
353
-
185
118
162
-
-		 £
500
6,464
-
-
-
7,563
-
-
-
3,000
1,781
At 31 March
2021
- 3,800 30,759 (16,098) 847 19,308

16

Shakespeare Link

Notes to the financial statements

For the period ended 31 March 2021

13. Movements in funds (continued)

Total restricted funds (from
previous page)
Unrestricted funds
Designated funds:
6 months running costs
Bench fund
Computer equipment
Llysdinam
Morell Trust
Site upgrade and maintenance
Tent fund
Total designated funds
General funds
Total unrestricted funds
Total funds		 At 14
October
2019
-		 3,800
Income -
funds from
Shakespeare
Link (Trust)		 Other
income
30,759		 (16,098)
Expenditure		 Transfers
between
funds
847		 19,308
At 31 March
2021
-
-
-
-
-
-
-		 10,000
7,400
1,030
2,483
2,000
9,000
1,386		 -
-
-
6,000
-
-
-		 -
-
-
(3,985)
-
-
-		 -
(3,525)
(1,030)
-
(2,000)
(6,141)
-		 10,000
3,875
-
4,498
-
2,859
1,386
- 33,299 6,000 (3,985) (12,696) 22,618
- 20,459 8,168 (21,633) 11,849 18,843
- 53,758 14,168 (25,618) (847) 41,461
- 57,558 44,927 (41,716) - 60,769

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Shakespeare Link

Notes to the financial statements

For the period ended 31 March 2021

13. Movements in funds (continued) Purpose of restricted funds Age Support UK - Gwanwyn

To fund drumming workshops in May 2020. These were carried forward to 2021 due to Covid restrictions.

Ashley Family Foundation To fund an engagement officer. Comic Relief To fund one Have-a-Go session online. Oakdale Trust To fund Have-a-Go sessions online. Powys County Council - CRDF Additional funding for ‘Sparks of Nature Project’. Arts Council Wales To fund the ‘Sparks of Nature’ project including the production of Cymbeline. Community Foundation Wales - To fund online workshops for mulitple organisations - Covid Recovery Fund including staff costs. Community Foundation Wales - To fund costume making workshops. Big fund D'Oyly Carte To fund Have-a-Go sessions online. Gwendoline and Margaret Davies To fund the creation of a business plan for the following 3 Trust years and funding for the mentoring of a young creative. Have-a-Go To fund Have-a-Go sessions online. Purpose of designated funds 6 months running costs To fund core and staff costs for 6 months. Bench fund To pay for new benches for the theatre. Computer equipment New computers for our artistic directors. Llysdinam To fund core costs including rent, directors fees and staff. Morell Trust To fund core costs including rent, directors fees and staff. Site upgrade and maintenance General maintenance including contribution to septic tank and new batteries. Tent fund To fund a new refreshment tent.

14. Related party transactions

There were no transactions with related parties during the period.

18